A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tokyo vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Tokyo or Melbourne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Tokyo or Melbourne? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a high tech, high energy, and vibrant city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Tokyo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Tokyo travel costs.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a progressive, livable, and friendly city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Melbourne travel costs.

Tokyo and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Melbourne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Melbourne is known for its beaches. Tokyo is more touristy than Melbourne and is known for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Melbourne is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population.

How is Tokyo different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Melbourne and Tokyo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tokyo or Melbourne?

Tokyo is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Tokyo are world-renowned. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Many visitors head to Melbourne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

Is the Food Better in Tokyo or Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Tokyo is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Dining out in Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

Is Tokyo or Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Tokyo is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Melbourne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

Is Tokyo or Melbourne Better for Music?

Tokyo is very popular for its live music scene. However, Melbourne is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Tokyo. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Melbourne is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Melbourne Better for Beaches?

Melbourne is great for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Melbourne?

Tokyo is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Tokyo draws large crowds to its stores. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Tokyo or Melbourne More Beautiful?

Tokyo is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Tokyo is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It's colorful skyscrapers and historic temples make this a truly one-of-a-kind place to explore.

Melbourne is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tokyo or Melbourne Better for Families?

Tokyo is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tokyo is a very family-friendly destination. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

Is Tokyo or Melbourne Better for Couples?

Tokyo is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Tokyo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

Is Tokyo or Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Melbourne are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Melbourne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

Is Tokyo or Melbourne Better for Students?

For students, both Tokyo and Melbourne are first-rate places to visit.

Many students frequent Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Students come from all over the world to visit Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Is Tokyo or Melbourne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tokyo is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Tokyo has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Melbourne. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

Is Tokyo or Melbourne a more walkable city?

Tokyo is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Melbourne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

Melbourne is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

For even more information, also check out Is Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Melbourne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Melbourne?

In either Tokyo or Melbourne, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than Melbourne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Melbourne.

Families should spend more time in Tokyo than Melbourne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tokyo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Tokyo than Melbourne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Tokyo that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Tokyo than Melbourne if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Tokyo.

One day in Tokyo or Melbourne?

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Melbourne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this livable big city offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tokyo or Melbourne?

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Melbourne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Melbourne?

People visit Tokyo because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Melbourne is a fun place to experience. In Melbourne, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Melbourne?

Tokyo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tokyo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly big city of Melbourne. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Tokyo is in Asia and Melbourne is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tokyo Expensive? and Is Melbourne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Melbourne?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Melbourne. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo and Melbourne, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo or Melbourne?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Tokyo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Tokyo or Melbourne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Melbourne. The summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.

In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Melbournein January. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. Tokyo usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tokyo or Melbourne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Melbourne. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Tokyo is a little warmer than Melbourne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F)in April.

In the autumn, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Melbournein April. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo usually gets more rain in October than Melbournein April. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Melbourne in the Winter?

Both Melbourne and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Melbourne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Melbourne averages at about 9°C (49°F)in July.

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Melbournein July. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tokyo or Melbourne in the Spring?

Both Melbourne and Tokyo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Melbournein October. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Melbournein October. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in April than Melbournein October. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Melbourne and Tokyo